IN March this year, after nine years of servicing East Gippsland’s pet community through his award-winning business, The Doggie Den, Warren Sinclair permanently closed his storefront in Wood
Street Bairnsdale.
“The past few years have been extremely difficult for us,” Warren explained on Facebook. “This began with COVID and its restrictions and lockdowns. Then, we were directly affected by the
contaminated meat from a nearby knackery, which lead to a significant number of our customer's dogs getting seriously unwell, with a few of them not surviving. This was extremely traumatic for me and my staff, as we were
receiving 50+ calls per day from locals and from all over the state with stories of ill and deceased animals.”
Naturally, the impact of these events led to an immediate and large loss of income which, coupled
with the rising costs required to operate the business, resulted in an insurmountable challenge. “We really couldn’t sustain the increased costs with the reduced sales. It forced a reduction in our staff numbers and, ultimately, we
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Gippsland:
‘love where we live’
FHE final piece of East Gippsland Shire Council’s new executive leadership team is now in place with the appointment of a well credentialed local.
Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said she was excited to have finalised the executive with Chris Stephenson started as the new General Manager Place and Community last week.
to continuing to improve engagement with our communities and key stakeholders; focus on community needs at a place level and ensure we are being easy to engage with.”
MEET THE TEAM
policy. This has included with East Gippsland Water and in senior leadership roles with DEECA.
“I very am excited to be part of the new executive team as we focus on delivering for the communities I love,” Sarah said.
calendar
EDERAL Member for Gippsland
Darren Chester is challenging local photographers to capture images that showcase why they love our region for his 2025 calendar.
The local MP is running his popular calendar photography competition again this year with prizes for the best entries.
“Late winter and early spring are both wonderful times in our region, and it is a great chance to get out with your camera and capture some of our region’s beauty,” Mr Chester said.
“This year’s theme of ‘Love where we live’ is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diversity of the region.
“Since my appointment as CEO in April, working with the executive team we have taken steps to set the organisation up for success and look at how to best support our community,” Fiona said.
Chris Stephenson Chris is making the move from state to local government to take up the General Manager Place and Community role.
“It is a real privilege for me to serve the people of East Gippsland as we continue to work together to generate community success.”
“Whether it’s the coastline, rivers, lakes, mountains or a special building in a town you love, the theme is open to interpretation, and I’m expecting some fantastic entries again this year.
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“Having Chris join our established team is a great addition for the organisation and community, and it completes the executive team,” Fiona said.
“As a team, we look forward to working with the current Council as they approach the finish line of what has been a busy four-year term, and helping a new Council establish itself quickly to support the community following the October election,” Fiona said.
“Our priorities will be on working with the Council and the 600 people that work for the organisation to deliver the key priorities of our community as detailed in the Council Plan.
“We are looking forward
He was previously the Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner within Emergency Management Victoria. Chris has also held senior roles within the Country Fire Authority; DELWP and DEPI.
Chris has lived locally for most of his life and brings a ready-made understanding and passion for the region.
“I am really looking forward to working with the East Gippsland community and the team here at Council. It’s a fantastic part of Victoria with unique opportunities and challenges,” Chris said.
Sarah Johnston Sarah joined local government in 2023 as General Manager Business Excellence.
Sarah is a well-known local person who is connected to the community. Sarah brings experience across finance, business services and strategic
Stuart McConnell Stuart has moved into the General Manager Assets and Environment role.
Stuart is well known to communities across the shire through his work with Council since 2019 as General Manager Place and Community (and Bushfire Recovery). This work included planning, community programs and the response, relief and recovery phases following the 2019-20 bushfires and other emergency events.
He has also provided leadership as Acting CEO during this time.
Prior to joining Council, Stuart has held senior roles at Murrindindi Shire, DELWP and the EPA.
“I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of Council’s leadership team and to focussing on delivering for and with the East Gippsland community,” Stuart said.
“I encourage photographers to submit their entries by October 4 to be considered for the calendar.”
More than 30,000 free copies of Mr Chester’s #lovegippsland calendar will be available across Gippsland at the end of this year.
The best three entries will receive a hamper of local products, and 13 photographs will be chosen to appear in the calendar (including the front cover).
To enter the #lovegippsland calendar competition, photos must be a minimum size of 4MB to a maximum of 10MB. Entries close at 5pm on Friday, October 4, 2024. Maximum two entries per person. If photos are selected for inclusion in the calendar, they must be available in a resolution of greater than 4MB at 300DPI. Photos should be landscape oriented as per the calendar’s shape. Entrants need to provide their name, hometown and contact details, plus a caption for their photo.
To submit your 2025 #lovegippsland calendar competition photo entries go to https://darrenchester.com.au/
East Gippsland Shire Council’s executive team: Sarah Johnston (General Manager Business Excellence), Stuart McConnell (General Manager Assets and Environment), Fiona Weigall (Chief Executive Officer) and Chris Stephenson (General Manager Place and Community).
Back to business
FROM FRONT PAGE
WARREN Sinclair is keen to continue providing customers with the same great service experienced at the previous store.
“In 2019, the business received the 2019 Ricoh Customer Service Award for Victoria, so I’m excited to be able to continue delivering our acclaimed services to East Gippsland’s local canine communities.
“We offer dog grooming services six days a week (i.e., bathing, brushing, nail clipping). I also have a little stock for sale, left over from the store — toys, harnesses, collars and the like.”
“The transition seems to have been pretty good for the customers — we’ve retained most of our Bairnsdale regulars and have picked up a lot of new people too; the Swan Reach community is very happy we’re here!”
“I love working with dogs,” Warren explains. “Unlike some customer service roles, people are usually really happy and calm when they’re with their furry family members; so there’s no having to deal with cranky customers like you might face in some other industries. It’s great!”
“Grooming appointments can be made online — just Google ‘The Doggie Den’ and you’ll find us,” Warren says.
TRUE EVENTS INSPIRE STORY
Shelley Rushent
WITH my 50th birthday fast approaching, I decided it was finally time to put pen to paper. For over a decade, I've wanted to create these books, but life's demands always seemed to get in the way. From caring for my exhusband during his battle with brain cancer, which tragically ended with his passing in 2021, to supporting my mum through her eight-year struggle with dementia, and then mourning my father’s recent passing in October 2023, my focus has been elsewhere. Now that mum is in full-time care, I volunteer to entertain dementia residents, which brings me immense joy. Seeing their smiles and moments of happiness is truly priceless.
Now, back to the book: The Adventures of Blue Bear. These stories are inspired by true events, with Blue Bear being a cherished member of our family for over 20 years. The heartwarming tales mostly recount the wonderful times my daughter — known as Pumpkin in the stories — has shared with Blue Bear. She is now 25 years old. The books also serve as a tribute to my ex-husband, who played a significant role in Blue Bear's adventures.
I was fortunate to connect with Wayne Cherry, whose work I had admired on Facebook. He agreed to illustrate the book, and collaborating with him has been a joy, turning my dreams into reality. Without Wayne, I might still be dreaming rather than creating. Wayne also introduced me to the incredible Antoinette Pellegrini,
who has helped me self-publish my first book. Her expertise and genuine care for my project have been invaluable.
A huge thank you to Wayne and Antoinette for all their hard work.
I am thrilled that the teddy bears are almost here and can't wait to share them with everyone. Book 2 will also be released before Christmas, which is very exciting. There's still much to do, including finishing the website, but you can follow Blue Bear’s adventures on Facebook. To order, contact me
via Facebook Messenger or email me at bluebear.greenapplepublishing@ gmail.com. The book and bear combo for $40, with postage ranging from $17 depending on your location. Keep an eye on Facebook for upcoming kids’ apparel and other fun items related to the books. I hope these stories inspire families to embark on their own adventures with their children and their favourite toys. Plus, 50 cents from every book sold will go to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Road users and pedestrians set to benefit from upgrades
PEDESTRIANS, cyclists, and motorists are all set to benefit from bicycle and footpath works along Bennison Drive, Wurruk.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the works were a great example of how the Roads to Recovery Program was supporting routine
maintenance and safety enhancements to local road networks.
"Local councils have an extensive network of roads, bridges and paths to look after, with the Wellington Shire Council responsible for maintaining more than 3000 kilometres of sealed and unsealed public roads and roadside management
and maintenance across the municipality," Mr Chester said.
"Working in partnership with local government across Gippsland is the best way to deliver improvements to the local road network, making the Commonwealth's 'Roads to Recovery' program a vital program supporting local councils for more than 20
years."
The Roads to Recovery Program supports the construction and maintenance of the local road infrastructure assets, facilitating greater accessibility and improving safety and social and economic outcomes.
"Wellington Shire Council secured more than $500,000
through the 2019-24 Roads to Recovery Program for the Bennison Drive Upgrade, which delivered new bicycle paths and footpaths along the road between Firth Street and Jensen Court, providing a safer environment for all road users," Mr Chester said.
"The Bennison Drive Upgrade was one of several Roads to Recovery
funded projects across the municipality, totalling $3 million, centred around road and street reconstruction undertaken during the January to March 2024 quarter."
Wellington Shire Council received almost $19 million through the previous government's 2019-24 Roads to Recovery Program.
Illustrator Wayne Cherry with Author Shelley Rushent.
Study shows tired driving is a growing concern
Anew survey from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has found one-in-five Victorians have driven while being so tired they have struggled to keep their eyes open.
The TAC has released its annual Road Safety Monitor report, which found around two-thirds of the more than 2,300 survey respondents had driven while feeling ‘quite tired’ or ‘very tired’, with 21 per cent admitting to driving when they could not keep their eyes open.
The survey, which asks participants about their road safety behaviours and attitudes, highlighted men aged 18 to 59 in outer urban and regional areas were most at risk, with 37 per cent of this cohort stating they have
driven while very tired.
Drowsy driving is a factor in 16 to 20 per cent of fatal crashes each year on Victorian roads and contributes to approximately 25 per cent of road trauma injuries at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.
In May, the TAC launched a campaign addressing the severe risks of drowsy driving, backed by research that found drivers who get less than five hours of sleep are four times more likely to crash.
The campaign urges drivers to watch for warning signs of drowsy driving, such as difficulty staying centred in the lane, struggling to keep eyes open, blurred vision, zoning out, or a loss of concentration. Drivers experiencing these symptoms
should pull over to rest and, if possible, switch drivers.
The survey comes as
the number of lives lost on Victorian roads has overtaken last year’s figures, with 185
road deaths so far in 2024 compared to 178 at the same time in 2023.
“No” to more Paynesville services
RESIDENTS of Paynesville, Eagle Point and Newlands Arm will not see an expansion of timetabled bus services under the Allan Labor Government.
Following his 2022 preelection commitment to trial increased bus services for these communities, The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, wrote to the Minister for Public Transport, seeking the same outcome.
“The intention was to trial increased services for a set period to align buses with the V/Line timetable. This would also have served the dual purpose of offering more transport links for those living in Newlands Arm, Eagle Point and Paynesville,” Mr Bull said.
“When you have a trial, you can then assess patronage levels and determine if the usage is at a level strong enough to make the service permanent.
“Frustratingly, the Minister claims that the existing schedule is sufficient for current and likely demands, so there is no recognition of the population explosion in these areas,” he said.
Mr Bull said he was sick to death of country people being inadequately served and cited the removal of
buffet services on four-hour train journeys and ignoring our community's public transport requests.
“They simply had to order the new carriages with this provision but have
determined not to do it, so it then makes it very difficult to re-implement that service without a massive cost of carriage renovations.
“We want more travel options, not restrictions, on
the public transport network.
“The Minister is completely out of touch with what public transport users in this region need, and I urge Minister Williams to reconsider these matters,” Mr Bull said.
Solar farm proposal to be decided by Minister for Planning
Aproposed solar farm at Andersons Lane, Bairnsdale, is expected to be considered for approval by the Victorian Government’s Minister for Planning in the coming months.
The proposal is for a 96-megawatt photovoltaic solar installation and 150-megawatt battery energystorage system covering approximately 176 hectares.
The proponent, BNRG Leeson, is a Victorian-based renewable energy partnership which has developed
solar farms in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia.
East Gippsland Shire Council has been requested to provide pre-application advice on the proposed renewable energy facility in advance of formal lodgement of the application with the Department of Transport and Planning.
Under the Victorian Planning system, the Minister for Planning is responsible for planning permit applications for all energy-generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater.
Mayor, Cr Tom Crook said when the application is formally lodged with the Victorian Government, Council and the community will be able to make formal submissions to be considered by the Minister for Planning.
“We have been approached by some surrounding property owners who have concerns about the project. They will also have an opportunity to make formal submissions to the Department of Transport and Planning outlining those concerns,” he said.
“We have provided initial advice to the Department outlining the matters that we expect to be addressed, reflecting community concerns. Once we have seen the completed application and technical reports, Council will carefully consider the proposal and make a submission to the Victorian Government.
“Council is not the decision-maker, but we will ensure that community concerns are conveyed to the Minister.”
The proponent has
Fast-track inquiry into health sector problems
HAVING raised the challenges facing our health services in Parliament, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, is pleased a new inquiry will consider in detail the performance of Victoria’s ambulance service.
The Nationals and Liberals last week successfully passed a motion to establish a parliamentary inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria.
“Having met with the ambulance union of recent times, it is clear significant changes need to be made,” Mr Bull said.
“Among them is the need to better triage calls to triple zero, so ambulances are preserved for emergency cases and not called out to tend to the likes of toothaches, which they have said is occurring.
“These are the sorts of matters the inquiry will look at, and I have no doubt hospital ramping will also be a significant matter of investigation, which hopefully will result in improved outcomes.
“I am pleased the motion was supported, despite opposition from the Allan Labor Government, which I find peculiar, and this is about identifying better outcomes. Another element I support is the short turnaround as we don’t want an inquiry that drags on so long its findings cannot be implemented quickly.
“Our paramedics are burnt out and frustrated with the clunky system they operate under.
“Ambulance Victoria has been failing to meet response time targets for many years now with ambulances left ramped outside our regional hospitals becoming the new norm.
undertaken preliminary consultation with surrounding landowners, including a public dropin session in late 2023, and is providing updates via newsletters to local landowners to keep them informed of progress with the application.
Further information about the proposal is available at the BNRG Leeson website and will also be made available on the Department of Transport and Planning website once the application is formally lodged.
“These vehicles sitting outside emergency departments which cannot take the patients is not an acceptable outcome. It results in paramedics then being called in from further afield to respond and the answer is getting these crews back on the road and serving the community.
“I have no doubt the outcomes will point to the need to improve this element of our hospital system,” he said.
The Legal and Social Issues Committee will inquire into these and other related matters and report back to Parliament within the coming weeks.
Picture: TAC
From left: John (driver), Tim, Jason Gillick and Colin Cathcart in front of Paynesville bus service.
Chester in Parliament
with the outlook for gas production in the Gippsland basin.
BREAST
BOWEL
HERNIA
KEYHOLE
LIPOMAS
DUPUYTREN’S
THYROID
Emerging Leaders – Year 7/8
THIS week Nagle College Year 7 and Year 8 selected Student Leaders participated in the Australasian Emerging Leaders Forum. The program was developed by the Asia Education Foundation (AEF) and run by the Victorian Department of Education and The University of Melbourne. The Program Overview: The Emerging Leaders Forum (Junior Secondary) is designed for students in Years 7 and 8 in Victoria, Australia, as well as the Asia Pacific region, the chance to connect and collaborate with peers from around the world. It will deepen their understanding of identity, belonging and intercultural understanding and what it means to be a globally competent leader. The students will undertake collaborative learning tasks with local and international peers that are anchored in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, with the intention of implementing social change in their school communities.
The Learning Outcomes through the participation in the program, will allow students to:
• Develop a deep understanding of global citizenship and its responsibilities.
• Enhance awareness of assumptions and stereotypes while fostering intercultural understanding.
• Engage actively with diverse global perspectives, experiences, and cultures.
• Utilise knowledge and skills to take meaningful action in addressing global and local challenges.
The students were given 3 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to look into, research and present to other schools in Australasia. The goals were: #10 Reduced Inequality, #6 Clean Water and Sanitation and #13 Climate Action and how these impacted their school. Nagle College students and the students from 3 international schools selected goal #10 Reduced Inequality.
Our students had the privilege to connect with
schools in Indonesia and Vietnam. All students were very polite and spoke beautifully about their schools, problems they face and possible solutions. “It was so very interesting to hear the inequality issues students in Vietnam and Indonesia suffer”, said the local students. They were very different to the issues faced by Nagle and Australian students. The young adults discussed solutions on how to reduce discrimination, gender inequality and dissipate stereotypes within their schools. The students were very candid in sharing their feelings and worries. The empathy shown by all students involved was very special and encouraging.
Their respect towards each other was to be applauded.
“I was very proud listening to our students represent East Gippsland and Nagle College” said the Nagle College Jr School Coordinator. If the students are successful in their presentation to the Department of Education, Melbourne University panel and other participating schools, they will be invited to Melbourne University to present their problems and solutions on a global stage. No matter the outcome, this has been a brilliant experience for our Nagle College Emerging Leaders. Watch this space for the forum outcome and the students’ reflective piece.
Council adopts new policy to support ratepayers in need
EAST Gippsland Shire
Council has voted to increase assistance to community members who are facing financial difficulties.
At the 27 August Council Meeting, councillors unanimously adopted an updated Hardship Policy, which is designed to provide a clearer, more accessible framework for ratepayers who are struggling to manage the payment of rates and charges in the current economic climate.
Councillors noted the increasing pressure on households due to the rising cost of living.
Mayor Cr Tom Crook emphasised the importance of fairness in the new approach.
“This policy ensures all ratepayers, no matter their circumstances, are treated with dignity and respect. We want people to know that if they are struggling, we’re here to help,” he said.
The new Hardship Policy provides several avenues for assistance:
• Flexible payment plans tailored to individual needs, allowing smaller payments over a longer period, without interest.
• Options for deferral of rates and charges until a future date, when paying the rates will be more manageable.
• Waiver of rates and charges for those facing financial hardship.
• Simple and straightforward application process.
“We understand that seeking help can be difficult, but we’ve made every effort to simplify the process,” Cr Crook said.
“Our customer service teams can help you with most questions about your payment options. The rates team will also be heading to Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Omeo, Orbost and Paynesville in September, providing more opportunities for ratepayers to get direct assistance. Our commitment is to work with the community to deliver the more than 100 essential services to East Gippslanders while using our budget prudently.”
Council has updated its website with clear information about the support available and Council officers will undergo training to better understand the challenges faced by those in financial distress.
“We are committed to providing support to our ratepayers who are experiencing payment difficulties. By working together, we can find solutions that support our ratepayers,” Cr Crook said.
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (right) met with recently appointed ExxonMobil Australia Chair Simon Younger during his visit to Parliament House. Mr Younger briefed the local MP on decommissioning plans for Bass Strait platforms along
Councillor Reeves to run again
CURRENT councillor and Marlo local, Mark Reeves, has announced he will contest the October 2024 local government elections in East Gippsland.
Mark, Alice and his family moved to East Gippsland in 1995. Since then, they have lived at Mallacoota, in the high country at Dinner Plain and Marlo. Their two children were proudly and beautifully educated at Government schools in Omeo and Orbost. He has served three council terms and was Mayor in 2013, 2021-2023, Principal of The Alpine School and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mark acknowledges he is supported in everything he does by his wife, Alice.
“There are many economic, social and environmental issues that we have to face in the next four years, and local government can have a positive impact or mitigating effect”, said Mark.
“The economy and society in transition is a huge issue for all. That combined with the impacts of cost of living, job security, climate change and changing local communities due to timber and energy transition create uncertainty. An impact of uncertainty is anxiety. Mental and physical health and wellbeing are
impacted by these changes” he said.
“While local government doesn’t directly interact with all these challenges, we can have an indirect and supporting role in many”. He went to note his “proven ability to advocate through regional , state and federal governments and networks to maximising the benefits and minimising the impacts of these challenges ahead”, he said.
Some of the key areas of focus Reeves has identified as a councillor for the next four years includes improvement in community consultation, decisions and engagement.
“While councillors ultimately are the decision makers, we can improve community input and make it a key consultative and council priority that ensure alignment of community expectation and experience of consultation. As elected representatives, it is our role to take the voices of the community to the council chamber, Spring Street and Canberra.”
“The visitor economy continues to be a critical focus for the next council, and this is high on my list. We need to continue our good relationship with the natural estate managers (Parks. GLaWAC, DEECA) and work
together to maximise the visitor experience and ensure the economic benefit to our local businesses,” he said. “We want our shire to be a sticky place for visitors, so they stay, spend and enjoy!”
Our shire continues to have increased pressures to cater for new residents, new housing and subdivisions and development”, he said. This will create many issues and opportunities for us in future. “We need to be ready and willing to embrace the future through supporting the Shire Planners and the Strategic Planning Frameworks. We need to focus on protecting highvalue agricultural land from being broken up into hobby farms, improving connectivity, telecommunications, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges and strategically improve and seal the remaining 1700km of unsealed roads over time.”.
“Being able to provide essential and cost-efficient services, like road repairs and maintenance, rubbish and recycling services and expand and take to shire-wide scale the FOGO program are on my bucket list”, said Reeves
“Being able to look after our young, older and more vulnerable residents is a key to the future. We are no strangers to the impact
of ongoing climate change and natural events like fire, flood and storm. I will continue to lobby to State and Federal Governments to ensure Disaster Funding Arrangements are in place, not competitive, and allow betterment. This means replacement infrastructure is climate ready and future proofed.”
“The shire is a critical enabler of the local economy by leveraging state and federal capital works grants. I will continue the ambitious capital works program that secures federal and state grants”, said Reeves. “The 2024-2025 year capital budget is $90m+ and that includes $33m on roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage and airports, all essential infrastructure”, he said.
“And rates will remain capped at or less than the state mandated level which is CPI, with me in council, and I will continue to advocate for a consideration of WPI or Wages Price Index to State Government. We will review the rate differential every year.”
Mark has a strong record of cross border advocacy with relationships to the NSW Bega Valley and Snowy Monaro Regional Councils, as well as Alpine and all the Gippsland Regional Councils.
“We will continue to
MOW Day
BEHIND every Meals on Wheels delivery, there’s a dedicated volunteer and a warm smile.
On National Meals on Wheels Day (Wednesday 28 August), Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) proudly recognised the volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting the health of their community while enhancing their own quality of life.
Meals on Wheels plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of over 200,000 older Australians, including more than 50 clients across East Gippsland every weekday. Hundreds of meals are delivered each week by more than 130 active volunteers who generously give their time weekly, fortnightly, or monthly across Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, and Paynesville.
For clients, it’s more than just a nutritious, locally made meal — it’s a visit from a caring community member. For volunteers, it’s the opportunity to form positive social connections and offer service with a smile. Every delivery is a chance to catch up and check in.
In Bairnsdale, Judith and her husband Steve are regular Meals on Wheels drivers. Fortnightly, and sometimes several times a week, they
celebrate the rich and long indigenous history of the shire. The Reconciliation Plan is an early priority for the next council, and I look forward to continuing the relationship with GEGAC, Moogji and GlaWAC and our Aboriginal Community to make this happen.”
Mark said his comprehensive policy statement will be available soon. Look for the ads in this paper in the next months. Local Government elections take place in October by mail voting.
hop into their SUV, collect insulated cooler bags from the hospital, and spend just over an hour delivering meals to clients. Judith believes that Meals on Wheels is a valuable community resource that fosters strong relationships and social connections.
“It’s nice to give back to the community, and one day we might be in the position of needing someone to deliver our meals too,” Judith says.
“This service is about more than just food; it’s about making connections and ensuring that people who might not have family nearby have someone to say hello to.”
In Lakes Entrance, Graeme makes his regular delivery run and always checks in on client Judy. With her health in decline, Graeme makes sure to ask about her wellbeing during every visit. Judy feels genuinely supported, not just by the Meals on Wheels team but by GLCH as an organisation.
“For me, Meals on Wheels is essential, and it’s taken the pressure off friends and
my daughter, who works in Bairnsdale,” Judy says. “They make sure I’m okay, and they’re doing me a great service by checking on me. If I don’t answer the door, they won’t just leave the meal; they follow up to find out why, which I think is absolutely wonderful.”
Though the delivery visits may be brief, the relationships formed between clients and volunteers create a lasting sense of safety, comfort, and reassurance. Volunteers often share that they gain more from the experience than they give.
GLCH welcomes individuals or businesses willing to donate just a few hours of their time to deliver meals and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Volunteering is flexible, allowing you to help as often as suits your schedule — whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. To find out more about volunteering opportunities with GLCH, visit glch.org.au/ get-involved/
Councillor Mark Reeves
Kaye delivers a meal to client Geoff in Kalimna.
Battling alcohol addiction advice - ask Emma
Grief and Father’s Day
Q: I'm a man in my 60s, and I've been struggling with something I’m ashamed to admit — I think I'm battling alcohol addiction. What started as a way to relax has become something much darker. I know it's hurting my health, but more than that, it’s tearing my family apart. My wife tries to be supportive, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes every time I come home after drinking too much. I feel lost and helpless. I want to quit, but the cravings keep pulling me back in. I'm scared I've caused too much damage, that my family won't forgive me, and that I’ll never beat this addiction. Is there any hope left for me to rebuild my relationships and live sober?
A: First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the courage it took for you to write this letter. Admitting that you're struggling with alcohol addiction and recognising the impact it has had on your family is a significant step toward healing. It’s important to know that even in your 60s, change is not only possible but can be profoundly lifechanging. There is always hope.
Alcohol addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition. It’s not just a matter of willpower or self-discipline; it’s a chronic condition that affects both the brain and behaviour. When someone develops an addiction, the brain undergoes changes in areas that are critical for judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. These changes can create a strong drive to continue using alcohol despite the negative consequences. One of the key challenges in overcoming alcohol
addiction is that it often meets an underlying need. Whether it's providing an escape from painful emotions, numbing anxiety, or temporarily relieving stress, alcohol can become a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult feelings. Over time, this reliance on alcohol can make it increasingly difficult to quit, especially when the original emotional needs remain unmet.
It’s also important to understand that addiction is not simply a failure of self-control. The cravings you’ve experienced are a natural consequence of how alcohol alters brain function. When someone is addicted, the brain’s reward system becomes hijacked, making alcohol the primary source of pleasure and reinforcing the urge to drink. This is why quitting can feel so overwhelming — it’s not just about resisting temptation; it’s about rewiring the brain’s responses to stress, pleasure, and discomfort.
Moreover, addiction can have deep psychological roots. Unresolved trauma, chronic stress, feelings of inadequacy, and other emotional struggles can all contribute to the development and persistence of addiction. Therapy can play a crucial role in uncovering these underlying issues, helping you understand the emotional triggers for your drinking, and developing healthier ways to cope.
Family dynamics can also play a significant role in addiction. The impact of alcohol addiction on relationships, particularly with loved ones, can be profound. Strained relationships, feelings of guilt, and a sense of isolation can further fuel the cycle of addiction. Addressing these relational aspects through therapy can be a critical part of the healing process, helping to rebuild trust and communication.
Recovery from addiction
is not a linear process; it involves navigating the ups and downs of healing, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. The key is to approach recovery with selfcompassion and patience, recognising that change takes time. Understanding the nature of addiction and the psychological factors that contribute to it can empower you to take steps toward lasting change.
A good starting point would be to reach out to a healthcare provider, such as an AOD worker, who specialises in addiction. They can assess your situation and recommend appropriate treatment options, which might include counselling, medication, or participation in a structured rehabilitation program.
Therapy can be incredibly beneficial. A psychologist or counsellor can help you explore the underlying issues that may have contributed to your reliance on alcohol — whether it’s unresolved grief, stress, or feelings of inadequacy. Therapy can also equip you with coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers.
Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change in your life. Your desire to reconnect with your family and live the rest of your life sober is a powerful motivator. With the right support and a deeper understanding of your own needs and triggers, recovery is entirely possible. Your family wants to see you healthy and happy, and they will likely appreciate the steps you’re taking to better yourself.
Hope that helps, Emma
‘Ask Emma’ is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. By submitting a question, you are agreeing to let The Great Eastern Mail use it and we may edit it for length and/or clarity. You can find Emma on Instagram @emmawoodcockcounsellor and Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/emmawoodcockcounselling
While many of us look forward to Father’s Day, for a lot of the population the day can be tough to get through
Karen Ellingsen Counsellor
WITH Father's Day approaching, many of us will be making plans to spend the day with our dads. But for others, this day approaches with a sense of dread. And not just the day, but the days leading up to it.
When we’re mourning the loss of a father or father figure (and it doesn’t matter how long it’s been) seeing the cards in the shops is a constant reminder of who is missing from your life. It may not because your father has died, but because you have a difficult relationship with him, you may be a father who has lost a child, you’re unable to become a father, or you are estranged from your children.
For some people, it reminds them of what they have lost, and strong feelings such as sadness, anger or guilt may come up. Sometimes we can be unaware of the feelings
of sadness and it’s only when we stop and think about what is going on around us that we realise the significance of the day.
There are ways to manage the sense of loss. For some, it’s about finding a distraction — as thinking about it can be overwhelming. For others, it can help to accept that Father’s Day is approaching and how you might want to remember and mark the event. One way is to practice Continuing Bonds.
An evidence-based approach that invites you to maintain a sense of connection by developing a new style of relationship with him. So rather than ‘getting over’ your dad, you focus on strengthening the bond you will always have with each other.
Visiting his favourite place, cooking his favourite meal, raising a glass of his favourite tipple or visiting his grave can all be ways to remember him. Or it can simply be lighting a candle next to his photo or spending time in nature.
On Father’s Day, do what
feels right for you. Make sure you take care of yourself as you navigate a potentially difficult time. When it feels like everyone is celebrating, finding ways to acknowledge your grief and being kind to yourself, may help you get through the day. Plan how YOU want to spend the day. Some bereavements or losses can be particularly difficult to navigate, and there may be unrecognised losses such as the loss of hopes and dreams for the future. Some people may feel alone and vulnerable. Your age, their age, how they died, your relationships and the losses you are experiencing will affect how you grieve. It is important to remember that grief is unique and individual to you.
Reach out for professional support if you need to. Sometimes grief can feel overwhelming, and you may not have people around you who can ‘handle’ your grief. We know that grief needs witnessing and talking to a qualified bereavement counsellor can be beneficial.
Karen Ellingsen is a Bairnsdale-based counsellor who specialises in working with people with grief, loss and trauma. To find out more visit www.loveandloss.com.au
Love and Loss
Grief Counselling
Talking helps. I'm here to listen to and witness your grief.
Emma Woodcock Counsellor
Stock photo - ING Image
Stock photo - ING Image
Chester visits St Mary’s Primary School Yarram
GRADE 4, 5 and 6 students at St Mary's Primary School Yarram had certainly done their due diligence in researching their local MP ahead of Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester's recent visit to discuss Australia's political system.
"While they listened respectfully to me talk about the different levels of government, my role in the Federal Parliament, and
Green foods fail Olympics
Viv Forbes The Salt Bush Club
THE first occupants of the Olympics village in Paris quickly taught the caterers that athletes did not favour their “climate-friendly” diet of things like avocados on toast plus almond-milk coffee. The athletes demanded more meat and eggs.
similar topics, they were keen to know if I could help them get funding for their failing basketball court," Mr Chester said.
"With a few budding politicians in the group, I had to be on my toes to answer this and many other questions.
"Visiting schools across Gippsland is always a pleasure and is an excellent opportunity to engage with our future leaders."
Students excel in spelling finals
ON Friday, 23rd August, the VicSpell Zone finals were held at Paynesville Primary School, bringing together eager students from years 5-8 from various schools in the region. The competition was fierce, with each participant showcasing their spelling prowess in front of a supportive crowd.
In the Year 7 category, Tully emerged as the zone winner after a nail-biting final round, while Liam secured the runner-up position with commendable effort. The
Year 8 competition was equally intense, with Lucy taking the top spot and Daniyal coming in as a close runner-up.
Tully and Lucy have now earned the opportunity to represent their schools at the state final, which will take place on Tuesday, 3rd September, in Traralgon. As they prepare for the next stage of the competition, congratulations are in order for all of Nagle’s competing students who showcased their talents and made their school proud.
such as Chicago. This Eastern demand for beef then supported the growth of transcontinental railways.
Paris Olympics CEO, Etienne Thobois, told reporters they suddenly needed more animal protein, causing them to order “700 kilos of eggs and a ton of meat, to meet the demands of the athletes.”
The Olympic caterers should have read a bit of French history — Vikings brought cattle to Normandy in the 10th century and valued them for both meat and milk.
The Paris organisers could also have also looked at some French cave paintings, such as the one in Lascaux, which depict aurochs, the ancestor of domestic cattle, being attacked by ancient hunters.
The Normans took their love of beef to Britain. In 1611 King James knighted his loin roast so it could be worthy item on a King’s table — since then it has been known as “sirloin”.
That old enemy of Napoleon, the Duke of Wellington, knew that his army could not survive without beef. Britain is famous for great beef breeds such as Herefords, Angus, Scotch, Welsh and Orkney beef. So the Duke’s red coat armies often had their own cattle herd bringing up the rear. Fresh beef was supplemented by salt pork, flour (often fortified with weevils) and a tot of rum before battle.
Beef was also the favoured food of the new world.
Spanish and Portuguese colonists took horses and cattle to the Americas and from these developed the wild longhorn cattle of Mexico and Texas. Many covered wagons of the American west were pulled by mules or oxen — and if they ran short of food, they ate some of them.
Native Americans soon learned to steal or catch horses and used them to hunt their favoured food — buffalo. Their mounted cavalry quickly conquered the prairies; and when they wore out their horses, they ate them.
As the buffalo were hunted to extinction by white and red hunters they all turned to longhorns and then to softer easier-handling British breeds like Hereford.
Soon American demand for beef prompted Texas cowboys to fight Indians, drought and wild-fires to send big mobs of beef cattle towards big meat centres
In Australia, great cattlemen like Sidney Kidman (“The Cattle King”) learned to move cattle along the Channel Country from north to south on a string of Kidman properties, the cattle growing as they travelled.
And on every road entering Australia’s beef capital, Rockhampton, there is a statue — not a green-skinned avocado, but a red-blooded bull.
The staple food of the Anzac warriors was canned “bully beef”, billy tea and hard biscuits. Bacon, eggs, a tot of Bundaberg rum and some Anzac biscuits were the luxuries.
Green propagandists such as the Paris caterers are doing tremendous harm to our health and our food supply by attacking animal foods, and promoting grains, vegetables, seeds and fake foods for humans.
As far back as we have recorded history, humans have been hunter-gatherers. They hunted, cooked, ate and sometimes farmed cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, turkeys, swans, antelope, buffalo, caribou, mammoths, deer, bears, horses, mules, donkeys, camels, seals, herrings, prawns, oysters, crabs, clams, cod, whales, sharks, salmon, kangaroos, possums, rabbits, hares, rats, mice, dogs, cougars, eels, snakes and even other humans. (Aboriginal cannibals on the Palmer River gold field in early Australia preferred to eat sweet Chinamen who ate lots of rice rather than over-salty Britishers who ate lots of salt beef.)
When the hunters were successful, ancient tribes rejoiced and feasted mightily before the meats spoiled. But when the hunters failed and starvation threatened, they relied on the gatherers for ripening fruits, honey, tubers, wild onions, nuts and laboriously harvested grains. They learned that some plant foods, especially grass seeds, were toxic unless treated in special ways by grinding, roasting, fermenting and cooking. Meats were the favoured food but some tribes also consumed raw milk, butter, cheese and blood from their animals. Some ate fish and water fowl. Fruits were seasonal foods and tubers, onions and grains were survival foods. Party foods like sugar, alcohol and apple pie were more recent inventions.
Human teeth reflect the
foods they are designed to use — canine eye-teeth for gripping and ripping meat off bones, incisors for cutting bite-sized bits, and molars for chewing and grinding. And humans have the forwardfocussed eyes of predators, not the all-round eyesight of their wary herbivore prey.
Men have always battled over hunting, fishing and farming territory, but now greens are trying to lock all humans out with national parks, world heritage declarations, and bans and quotas on farming, fishing and hunting. They subsidise the sterilisation of farms and grasslands with wind and solar “farms”, access roads and spider webs of power lines. They also promote the conversion of grasslands and farmland to bush and encourage offshore bird choppers whose sonic noise upsets neighbours and seems to addle the navigating abilities of some sea creatures.
Now greens are attacking our carnivore diet and promoting a granivorevegetarian diet for humans. Politicians should be free to choose their own diet but they should not force meat lovers to pretend they are granivores — they have no crops for sprouting grains nor gizzards for grinding them. Humans are also not plant-eating ruminants with extra stomachs and who spend ages regurgitating and re-chewing the cuds of slowly digesting vegetables.
The world’s teeming cities are becoming increasingly reliant on grains, sugars, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables grown by intense farming and heavily dependent on irrigation, herbicides and chemical fertilisers. Graindependent feedlots produce much of our beef, pork, mutton, salmon, prawns, chickens and eggs, and factories produce our baked, frozen and canned foods. Now greens are promoting denatured fake “meat” and “milks” containing no meat or milk.
Whilst intense farming has fostered a dramatic increase in human population, the human food chain is swamped with grains, greens and seed oils with their unhealthy lectins, glutens, oxalates, phytic acid, harmful oils, artificial sweeteners and chemical additives and
sprays. This process parallels a dramatic deterioration in human health. Like green energy, green food for humans is proving a disastrous choice.
Pretending humans are herbivores and granivores has accompanied an epidemic of ill health. Obesity, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimers, leaky gut, fatty liver, dental caries, heart failure, cancers, brain fog, knee replacement, stomach stitching, birth defects and gender confusion seem to be hall-marks of our age. The surgery waiting lists keep expanding. But instead of trying to fix our dietary problems, we have created a massive new “health” industry. While human diets race off in the wrong direction, health research seeks magic bullets and focusses on profitable vaccines, patentable medicines, expensive surgery and genetic wizardry.
Grazing animals once lived mainly on grasses and herbs (with a little ripening grass seeds just before the hard times of winter). Too many animals are now confined in food factories, with little exercise and encouraged to gorge on farmed grains. Free range animals like pigs, chickens, cattle and sheep now stand in pens and feedlots eating grain-rich feeds.
The bun, chips, salad and sauces have swamped the meat in the “beef” burger and there is often more batter and potato than seafood in “fish and chips”. Breakfast cereals have replaced bacon and eggs, and fake “meats” and fake “milks” are lauded as healthy choices.
We can see the obese results of this green food revolution waddling down the aisles of supermarkets and ordering green smoothies and muffins in the food courts.
Green energy will prove a disaster for our economy, and green foods will be a deadly choice for human health.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics now reports that 67 per cent of all Australian adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese. Future footpaths will be crowded with mobility scooters and hospitals and care homes will be overwhelmed by unhealthy aging vegans.
Hunting for Meat in the Stone Age. Image by Klaus Hausmann from Pixabay
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with St Mary's Primary School Yarram Grade 4, 5 and 6 students.
Tully and Lucy Tully receives award Liam and Daniyal Lucy receives award
Satisfied with Sanden
The following is a testimonial from one of KJ Multi’s happy Sanden customers:
Dear Ken,
After many years of continuous operation we wanted to let you know that the Sanden unit you installed continues to operate almost silently and faultlessly, and for approximately $0.30/ day depending on our use. It provides all the hot water we need for our 2 person household, even when outside air temperatures are down to less than 5˚C, when it is running on off-peak.
— Regards Russ, Paynesville
Sanden Heat Pump
Experience:
We replaced a not-so-old instantaneous gas HWS
that we weren’t happy with (noisy, bursts of cold water, minimum flow to stay hot) with a Sanden heat pump unit after discussion with Ken Ingwersen about its attributes. I investigated the cheapies (way cheaper) on the web and even got quotes, but when I read reviews and web blogs decided to stay well away from them — noisy, break down, poor reliability and one thing you do need to be reliable is the HWS.
The ordering and installation with Ken went flawlessly, and because we had just switched to Powershop I was able to closely monitor the
power consumption after installation. Two adults, cold water to dishwasher and washing machine mean that hot water consumption is not high, and over the first month the unit has averaged 2 kWh/ day and using off-peak power during the night to heat up means about $0.30/day, $2.10/week or only about $100/year for hot water.
The Sanden unit is virtually silent, very well built and hopefully will still be running when electricity costs have doubled or tripled and this will be a really cost effective way to produce hot water.
• 1 round lettuce, leaves separated, or 2 little gem lettuces
• 200g radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 green apple, cored and finely sliced
• 1 cucumber, finely sliced
• 1 large avocado, pitted and peeled, roughly chopped
DRESSING
• 1 large avocado, pitted and peeled, roughly chopped
• 200g Greek-style yogurt
• 15g chives, roughly chopped
• 15g dill, roughly chopped
• 15g parsley, roughly chopped
• 3 spring onions, roughly chopped
• 4 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed
• 1 lemon, juiced (reserve the zest, to serve)
METHOD
If using raw chicken, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Season the chicken all over and fry for 7-8 mins each side, covering with a lid for the final 5 mins until cooked through. Set aside to rest for 10 mins, then slice. For the dressing, tip the avocado, yogurt, chives, dill, parsley, spring onions, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic and 1 tbsp of the lemon juice into a blender or food
processor. Blitz until finely chopped and emulsified. Season to taste, adding more lemon juice if you like. Add cold water 1 tbsp at a time until the dressing has a drizzling consistency.
Stir 4 tbsp of the dressing together with the chicken slices. Toss the celery, lettuce, radishes, apple and cucumber together and arrange on a serving platter. Dot the chopped
avocado and as much of remaining dressing over the top as you like, along with the chicken. Finely grate a little lemon zest over and grind over some black pepper to serve.
CREAMY SPRING GREENS RIGATONI WITH LEMON, BACON & CHILLI
PREP: 10 MINS | COOK: 20 MINS | SERVES: 2
INGREDIENTS
• 150g smoked bacon or pancetta
• drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• 150g spring greens
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• pinch of chilli flakes, plus extra to serve
• 200g rigatoni or any short pasta
• 100ml double cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 50g freshly podded or frozen peas
METHOD
Heat a large pan over a medium heat, tip in the bacon/pancetta and leave to sizzle for 5 mins until crisp and some of the fat has rendered into the pan. Add a drizzle of oil if the pan looks dry. Strip the stalks of the spring greens from the leaves, then finely chop the stalks, roll up the leaves and cut them into ribbons. Add the stalks, garlic and chilli to the bacon/pancetta in the pan and cook for 2-3 mins to soften. Meanwhile, bring a
HERBY CHICKEN POT PIE
PREP: 10 MINS | COOK: 30 MINS | SERVES: 4
Minimise your washing-up with this delicious onepan chicken pie with spinach and herbs and topped with crispy filo pastry, ideal for busy weeknights.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing over the pastry
• bunch spring onions, sliced into 3cm pieces
• 250g frozen spinach
• 6 ready-cooked chicken thighs
• 350ml hot chicken stock
• ½ tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 200g frozen peas
• 200ml crème fraîche
• ½ small bunch tarragon, leaves finely chopped
• small bunch parsley, finely chopped
• 270g pack filo pastrys
METHOD
Heat oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan. Heat the oil in a large, shallow casserole dish on a medium heat. Add the spring onions and fry for 3 mins, then stir through the frozen spinach and cook for 2 mins or until it’s starting to wilt. Remove the skin from the chicken and discard.
FROM PIONEER ROOTS TO MODERN VINTAGES: A BRIEF LOOK AT THE EVOLUTION OF WINE-MAKING IN EASTERN VICTORIA
WINE-making in Eastern Victoria, Australia, has a history that's deeply intertwined with the broader development of the Australian wine industry. Here’s a brief overview of how it began and evolved in the region:
Early Beginnings: The roots of wine-making in Eastern Victoria trace back to the mid-19th century. The first European settlers brought their winemaking traditions with them, and vineyards were planted in various parts of Victoria, including the eastern regions.
of the greens to the pasta 1 min before the end of the cooking time.
Whisk the cream, egg yolks, parmesan and lemon zest with some seasoning in a jug.
Drain the pasta and greens, reserving a mugful of the starchy water. Tip the pasta and greens into the pan with the bacon/ pancetta mix, then turn the heat to low and pour in the cream mixture. Add the peas, a splash of the reserved pasta water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens
19th Century Development: In the 1850s and 1860s, as the Australian gold rushes brought prosperity and an influx of settlers, there was a growing demand for wine. Early pioneers in Eastern Victoria, such as those in the Gippsland region, began to establish vineyards.
Gippsland Region: The Gippsland region, which encompasses much of Eastern Victoria, began to develop a reputation for wine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region’s cool climate and diverse soils were found to be conducive to viticulture.
Challenges and Resurgence: Throughout the 20th century, the wine industry in Eastern Victoria faced various challenges, including competition from other wine regions and changes in agricultural practices. However, there was a resurgence in the late 20th century and early 21st century as the quality of wine production improved and new vineyards were established.
Modern Era: Today, Eastern Victoria, including areas like Gippsland and the Yarra Valley (which, while more centrally located, influences the broader eastern region), is known for producing high-quality wines. The cool climate, combined with innovative winemaking techniques, has allowed the region to produce a variety of wines, including cool-climate varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Overall, wine-making in Eastern Victoria began with early European settlers and has evolved significantly, reflecting both the challenges and the unique opportunities of the region.
Make
star of the show in this vibrant chicken salad, with lettuce, green apples, celery, cucumber and a creamy dressing.
Team spring greens with some of its best culinary friends – bacon, cream, lemon and cheese – in this easy and flavour-packed pasta dish.
BirdLife East Gippsland
Bird of the Month – September 2024
Laughing Kookaburra
THE distinctive laugh of the Laughing Kookaburra is one of the special sounds of the Australian bush. Their chuckling voice is what gives this species its name and is a common and familiar sound throughout East Gippsland. The easily recognisable and loud ‘kookoo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa’ is often sung in a chorus with other individuals and can be an essential feature of any dawn chorus. But the ‘laugh’ is actually a territorial call, warning other birds to stay away. In favourable conditions, they can live for more than 20 years and are believed to pair for life.
Generally off-white below, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back and wings.
The tail is more rufous with broad black bars and they have a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face, with a long beak and large brown eyes. The brown and white feathers help to blend in
with the environment, making it more difficult for prey or predators to see them. They are one of the larger members of the kingfisher family.
Laughing Kookaburras are found in sclerophyll woodlands and forest throughout eastern Australia. They have been introduced to Tasmania, and the extreme southwest of Western Australia. Sometimes found abundant in parks, towns, and campgrounds, where they have been known to take a sausage off the BBQ!
Feeding mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. When prey appears, the Kookaburra dives down and grabs the prey with its strong beak. Large prey items such as lizards and snakes are bashed against rocks or trees to kill and soften them before being swallowed.
Breeding from August to January they create nests
Domestic ratepayers beware in these times of a Cost of living
Crisis
in any hole which is big enough to fit an adult, such as a tress hollow or termite mounds built in trees. Both sexes share incubation and caring duties for the clutch of 2 to 3 eggs. They live in families, with siblings remaining in the family till they are old enough to look after themselves. Every bird in the group shares all parenting duties. To protect the Kookaburra’s habitat, retain as many trees as possible around your home. Kookaburras need trees for nesting, roosting and to perch on while waiting for food. Mulching your garden with leaf litter can create a perfect habitat for worms, insects and lizards, which Kookaburras love to feed on.
BirdLife East Gippsland meet weekly for Monday morning outings. New members are always welcome. Check our Facebook page and Birdlife Australia events page for more information.
This is the first of a series of information pieces that will be offered during the run up to election day to ensure each voter realises the importance of a carefully considered vote at the 26th October councillor election COUNCIL issue maximum allowable rates rise billing to a community under extreme cost of living crisis.
EGRRA along with several others made submissions requesting consideration of a nill increase in rates during the councils public consultation process , but similar to last year this has fallen on deaf ears, being totally ignored. The new council needs to actively involve real and recorded community opinion and wishes in its decision making process.
All domestic ratepayers are about to receive rates notices that reflect the maximum rate rise permitted.
The general level of excessive spending by all levels of government, in contradiction of calls for
fiscal restraint over the last three years , totally ignores the harm being created to our standard of living.
No effort has been made by council to explain its compelling reasons for completing an unchanged 4 year council plan designed in different financial times with excessively optimistic vision. The concentrated EGSC effort needs to be on expenditure guided by priority, productivity and efficiency.
How does this occur in times of considerable cost of living pressure, where our total nine member council ,voted in as our representatives, approve unanimously a punitive rise to inflict further pain on home owners ,mortgage holders and rental tenants affecting nearly every resident of East Gippsland — No apology, no explanation!
Simply we have privileged councillors apparently untouched by the cost of living crisis that failed to consult with the community on options to restrict
expenditure, reshape services and operate more productively, removing most if not all of the discretionary expenditure as requested by EGRRA since January.
We are encouraging a community reaction.
Consider your councillor vote very carefully to ensure they represent you!
When you receive your rates notice work out the percentage increase from last year and if possible the last 3 years send it to feedback@ egipps.vic.gov.au copied to secretary@egrra.org. au. Indicate the increase in services received that justify the increase.
Where the increase in rates is more than 2.75 per cent ask council for time to pay. Also go to Council Watch website and complete their ratepayer survey https:// www.councilwatch.com.au/ vicelection This is the largest statewide poll of concerned voters.
John Butler-Cole — Secretary EGRRA for and on behalf of the EGRRA Management Committee
Foreshore playground taking shape
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the new foreshore playground in Lakes Entrance is taking shape with most of the major structures in place and local crews working hard to get the job done before the busy holiday period.
Mr Chester has secured $20 million over several years from the previous Federal Government for projects in Lakes Entrance, which included the playground as well as Esplanade and Marine Parade improvements, the Old Slipway redevelopment, Jemmy's Point reserve, Bullock Island bridge, and Krauatungalung Walk.
"By working with the community, we have transformed Lakes Entrance over the past eight years," Mr Chester said.
"The previous Federal Government funded the foreshore playground project under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), which East Gippsland Shire Council is delivering.
"Not only will the playground provide young locals and visitors a great space that supports outdoor exercise, it will also link into other works such as the Krauatungalung Walk and improvements to the rotunda, making it a more usable space."
Mr Chester said the foreshore playground in Lakes Entrance was just one of many projects made possible by
LRCIP.
"The previous Federal Government created the LRCIP to assist local councils with funding for local roads and community projects that would otherwise take years to receive support," Mr Chester said.
"The LRCIP has delivered dozens of projects across Gippsland, including playgrounds, pump tracks, recreation reserve improvements, community hall upgrades, road safety upgrades and walking trail improvements.
"It was a good funding
program because all local councils received a funding allocation, and they were able to decide local priorities in consultation with their communities.
"Sadly, the Albanese Government has abolished future rounds of the LRCIP, which will make it difficult to secure a pipeline of community infrastructure projects like this one in our region.
"I will keep working with local councils to secure funding for projects that make Gippsland an even better place to live, work and visit."
Laughing Kookaburra
GEM movie review
PIXELS, directed by Chris Columbus and released in 2015, offers a unique and playful concept that brings classic video game characters into the real world. While the film's execution has its highs and lows, the imaginative premise and nostalgic appeal manage to create an engaging and entertaining experience. The story centres around Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler), a former video game champion turned tech installer, who finds himself facing a surreal crisis when aliens misinterpret a time capsule containing video game footage as a declaration of war. The extraterrestrial invaders take the form of iconic video game characters, launching
WHILE the movie boasts a starstudded cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, their performances are largely wasted on underdeveloped characters. Blanchett’s Lilith, the enigmatic siren, is a highlight, but her character's depth is limited by the script. Hart and Black, known for their comedic timing, are underutilised, their roles feeling more like cameos than integral parts of the story.
Visually, Borderlands attempts to replicate the game's vibrant and grotesque aesthetic, but the result is often a chaotic mess. The worldbuilding is superficial, lacking the depth and exploration that made Pandora such a captivating setting in the games. The action sequences, while visually impressive, lack the adrenaline-pumping
book review
A NOSTALGIC ADVENTURE 2024 CBCA Book
a series of challenges that threaten the Earth. In a race against time, Sam teams up with his former gaming rival, President Will Cooper (Kevin James), and a group of fellow gamers to save the world from total destruction.
One of the film's strengths is its ability to tap into the nostalgia of the 1980s arcade era. The incorporation of beloved video game characters like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Centipede adds a sense of familiarity and excitement, making it a treat for viewers who grew up playing these games. The visual effects that bring these pixelated creatures to life on a grand scale are a visual spectacle and provide a sense of wonder.
However, the film's story struggles at times with pacing and predictability. While the concept is inventive, the plot follows a formulaic structure, complete with underdog protagonists rising to the occasion. The character arcs, while enjoyable, lack significant depth, and emotional moments don't carry as much weight as they could have.
Despite these shortcomings,
Pixels offers an enjoyable blend of action, comedy, and nostalgic charm. The creative action sequences that mirror video game mechanics inject humour and excitement into the film. The camaraderie among the cast, particularly the ensemble of gamers played by Kevin James, Josh Gad, and Peter Dinklage, adds comedic chemistry that keeps the story engaging.
In conclusion, Pixels may not reach the heights of its potential, but it manages to provide an entertaining and visually captivating experience. The film's imaginative concept, playful humour, and nods to video game history make it a suitable choice for a lighthearted movie night or a dose of nostalgic fun. While it may not be a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, Pixels succeeds in delivering a unique and enjoyable ride through a world where video games come to life.
RATING
THE winners for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) book of the year awards were announced on Friday 16 August. For the past few months I have been writing book reviews from the shortlisted books across the various categories. Four of these books were winners and many of the others were awarded as honour books, highly recommended.
OLDER READERS (13-18 YEARS)
Grace Notes written by Karen Comer
A debut young adult verse novel set during the pandemic in 2020, when Melbourne was one of the most locked down cities in the world. The paths of a talented busking violinist (Grace) and an aspiring street artist (Crux) collide when Grace makes an impromptu performance on a tram witnessed by Crux. In turn, he is inspired to paint her and the tram on a wall in a Melbourne alley. Grace stumbles across the painting and sets out to discover who is this anonymous street artist is. A beautiful coming-of-age love story when the strict lockdown laws effected so many lives.
YOUNGER READERS (712 YEARS)
Scar Town written by Tristan Bancks
Seven years after Old Scarborough town was flooded to create a dam, the water levels start to recede and expose the old buildings. Will, Dar and Juno dare each other to explore the old town and swim out to a house emerging through
By Charlotte Tiffin, Owner Schoolworks Supplies
the water. Inside they find bones and a stash of cash, but they are not the only ones interested in their discoveries. Will’s father is missing, the old building hold many secrets and family members are not quite who they seem. A great mystery and adventure thriller suitable for 10 years plus.
EARLY
CHILDHOOD (0-6 YEARS)
Gymnastica
Fantastica!
Written and illustrated by Briony Stewart
Quick! Come and watch me flip, roll, cartwheel, bounce, bend and balance as I put on the most wonderful imperfect gymnastic show for you! Written in wonderfully rhyming text with colourful illustrations, this is a delightful book to read out loud with children.
PICTURE BOOK (0-18 YEARS)
Timeless written and illustrated by Kelly Canby
A wonderfully engaging story all about time. Emit (time spelt backwards) needs to find more time, as his family are always too busy. He tries everything he can think of such as catching it, waiting for it and even trying to buy it. This is when he discovers the secret to time, if you want more time, you need to make it. Kelly’s illustrations cleverly capture the busyness of the characters with her swishy brush stokes showing people hurrying and busy backgrounds. A funny,
humorous book to read with children aged 5 upwards.
EVE POWNALL (INFORMATION BOOK 0-18 YEARS)
Country Town written by Isolde Martyn & Robyn Ridgeway. Illustrated by Louise Hogan
Discover decade by decade the changes within this fictional country town. From the First People’s camp at the river crossing in 1820’s through to the present day, with Carols by Candelight at the showground. A valuable resource which has been thoroughly researched and detailed for children. Important themes and issues such as immigration, land rights and climate change are featured. The colourful illustrations are full of the smallest details, which children will enjoy to discover as they read through the book.
NEW ILLUSTRATOR (0-18 YEARS) Hope is the Thing –Written by Johanna Bell and illustrated by Erica Wagner
Sparked by Emily Dickinson’s 1861 beloved poem ‘Hope is the Thing with Feathers’ this lyrical text, with the wonderful illustrations by Erica, celebrates our world of birds and the healing power of nature. The artwork uses mixed media collages and the CBCA judges stated that ‘every page an artwork in its own right’.
excitement and strategic gameplay that define the franchise.
The film's biggest failure lies in its inability to capture the humour and heart of the Borderlands universe. The dialogue is often flat and predictable, lacking the witty banter and irreverent tone that made the games so enjoyable. The characters, despite their colourful appearances, are onedimensional and fail to connect with the audience.
made the games so popular. Fans of the series will likely be disappointed, and casual viewers will find little to engage with beyond the surface-level action.
In the end, Borderlands is a missed opportunity to bring the beloved video game franchise to the big screen. While it has moments of visual spectacle, the film lacks the depth, humour, and character development that
Borderlands is a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting a complex video game into a coherent film. It serves as a reminder that a strong foundation in storytelling, character development, and humour is essential for any successful adaptation.
HIDDEN STRIKE STREAM ON NETFLIX
Movie Reviewer
Jason Cherry PIXELS STREAM ON NETFLIX
Movie Reviewer
Jason Cherry
1. WHAT DO YOU CALL A BOOMERANG THAT WON’T COME BACK? A STICK.
2. WHAT DOES A CLOUD WEAR UNDER HIS RAINCOAT? THUNDERWEAR.
3. TWO PICKLES FELL OUT OF A JAR ONTO THE FLOOR. WHAT DID ONE SAY TO THE OTHER? DILL WITH IT.
4. WHAT TIME IS IT WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13? TIME TO GET A NEW CLOCK.
5. HOW DOES A CUCUMBER BECOME A PICKLE? IT GOES THROUGH A JARRING EXPERIENCE.
6. WHAT DID ONE TOILET SAY TO THE OTHER? YOU LOOK A BIT FLUSHED.
7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT NEW DINER ON THE MOON? FOOD WAS GOOD, BUT THERE REALLY WASN’T MUCH ATMOSPHERE.
GEMSKids PACE GEM KIDS GAME REVIEWS
8. WHY DID THE DINOSAUR CROSS THE ROAD? BECAUSE THE CHICKEN WASN’T BORN YET.
9. WHY CAN’T ELSA FROM FROZEN HAVE A BALLOON? BECAUSE SHE WILL "LET IT GO, LET IT GO."
10. WHAT MUSICAL INSTRUMENT IS FOUND IN THE BATHROOM? A TUBA TOOTHPASTE.
August 30: 1939: The famous Australian aviation pioneer, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, was declared dead after his plane, the "Lady Southern Cross," disappeared over the Andaman Sea while attempting a flight from India to Singapore.
August 31: 1979: Queensland held a controversial state election that led to Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s National Party retaining power. The election was marked by allegations of gerrymandering and manipulation of electoral boundaries.
September 1: 1923: Australia's first parliament house in Canberra was officially opened by the Duke of York, who later became King George VI.
September 2: 1945: VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day was officially celebrated in Australia, marking the end of World War II in the Pacific region.
September 3: 1939: Australia entered World War II. Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced that Australia was at war with Germany following Britain’s declaration of war.
September 4: 1967: The referendum on Aboriginal rights, which was held earlier in the year, received a resounding "Yes" vote, leading to constitutional changes that allowed the federal government to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census.
September 5: 1962: Australia agreed to send military advisers to South Vietnam, marking the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
September 6: 1954: Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to set foot on Australian soil during her first royal tour.
September 7: 1907: Australia’s High Court handed down its decision in the famous Harvester Case, which established the concept of a basic wage for workers, setting a precedent for fair wages in Australia.
September 8: 1914: HMAS AE1, Australia's first submarine, was lost off the coast of Papua New Guinea with all 35 crew members. The submarine’s wreckage was only found in 2017.
September 9: 1948: Australian citizenship was created with the passage of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948, coming into effect on 26 January 1949.
September 10: 1967: The Australian television program "Adventure Island" premiered on the ABC, becoming a popular children’s show throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.
September 11: 2001: The Tampa Affair, where the Australian government refused to allow the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa to dock after it rescued 438 asylum seekers, resulted in a significant shift in Australia’s immigration policy.
September 12: 1854: The discovery of gold at Ballarat, Victoria, led to a massive gold rush, which brought many immigrants to Australia and had a significant impact on the nation’s economy and development.
DISNEY ILLUSION ISLAND [PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH]
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME?
I LOVE THE GRAPHICS; THE CARTOONS LOOK SO COOL. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER
September 13: 1984: Australia became a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), furthering the country’s commitment to gender equality. www.facebook.com/TheGreatEasternMail
ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF [PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH]
SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD + BOWSERS FURY [PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH]
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME?
Double win for Bree
ON Sunday 25 August, Bree proudly represented Nagle at the 2024 Horseland Interschool Combined Training and Dressage Champs.
Competing in the Preliminary Senior Dressage (1.2), Bree placed 1st with a score of 72.321%, and in the second test (1.3), she secured another 1st place with a score of 70.625%.
Overall, Bree won the championship, showcasing her dedication and skill. Congratulations Bree for this fantastic achievement!
electricity and gas cost continuing to rise, it makes sense to take advantage of the State and Federal Governments VEEC scheme to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint.
The units are heavily subsidised but the out-ofpocket costs can be paid off with zip pay at $10 per week with no interest. That is a winwin situation as you save more than that on your power bill — so it’s actually costing you nothing.
The heat pumps are installed by local electricians and plumbers that offer a seven year warranty.
For more information call your local sales rep Earl Chapman on 0492 942 844.
Expert finance guidance with a community focus
BRIAN Lim, founder of Assure Mortgage, graduated in 2010 from Melbourne University with a double degree in Commerce (majoring in Finance) and Construction Management. After an extensive period working in the construction industry, Brian realised his true calling and passion lies in the world of finance and mortgage broking.
Brian has since established Assure Mortgage and enjoys the complexities and intricacies of helping others navigate the world of finance. He is also aware that there are many people who have no interest in finance, who will benefit from Brian’s guidance and experience to ensure that their finances are optimised, meaning less interest is paid to the banks and loans are paid down faster.
Assure Mortgage’s commitment of “Looking after your loan like our own” means that we provide a genuine and professionally tailored service with an educational touch. We ensure
customers fully understand their options and obligations. This includes guiding you through how to best structure loans, considering tax benefits, and drawing insights and recommendations from our associated accountants and financial advisors.
So, whether you are considering purchasing a property, refinancing, or just seeking a second opinion on your existing mortgage, we would love to assist you.
Brian enjoys getting involved and supporting his local community. Assure Mortgage is currently a proud sponsor of Mount Waverley City Soccer Club and Blackburn Newhope Football Club.
the garden
Essential gardening jobs to prepare for spring
SPRING is all about beautiful blooms, but it’s also a key time for garden care. The winter chill has gone, the days are getting longer and your garden is about to burst into life. From pruning and repotting plants to feeding, weeding and mulching, there’s plenty you can do now to get your garden ready for spring and encourage new growth, flowers and a thriving veggie garden.
Feed your plants and lawns
Plants need feeding as they burst into growth. Apply organic-based general fertilisers to garden beds but for pots, use liquid feeds or slow-release products. Lawns need specialised, highnitrogen fertilisers. In early spring, apply a weed killer to remove broadleaf weeds. Follow up a few weeks later with lawn fertiliser to keep the grass growing strong and prevent new weeds. Get planting Spring is the perfect time to
plant just about anything. The soil moisture is still high and plants can become established before summer hits.
Add organic matter and nitrogen to your veggie patch, consider a green manure crop. Once it starts shooting, dig it back into the soil for a naturally prepared bed.
Fertilise
Before the growing season gets into full swing, just about everything will appreciate a good dose of fertiliser. Blood and bone and dynamic lifter are perfect for Australian natives. Just throw a handful over every four square metres.
Dig compost and manure through the veggie patch and soluble fertilisers to any veggies that you already have planted. Potted plants will love liquid fertiliser for a quick boost and a dose of slow release fertiliser to keep them going. Use specialist fertilisers for roses, citrus and orchids as they contain the particular nutrients these plants need.
Prune flowering plants
Prune camellias to shape and tip-prune other winter/early spring flowering plants as they finish blooming. Also trees and shrubs need pruning now to remove any withered winter leaves. Trim your hedges to encourage new growth. What flowers bloom in spring?
Spring is all about flowers. There are beautiful roses, masses of colourful azaleas and the heady aroma of jasmine scents the breeze.
Other perfumed beauties include lilacs, sweet peas and port wine magnolias. The new season also heralds the welcome return of bearded iris, clematis and wisteria.
In the native garden, look out for kangaroo paws, waratahs and flannel flowers. Jasmine is a fragrant climber that flowers in spring.
Vegetables to plant in spring
Spring in the veggie patch is all about the sowing and planting
of summer veggies. You could fill your vegetable patch with different varieties of tomatoes and beans, but make room for capsicums, chillies, eggplant, cucumbers, beetroot, carrots, lettuce, zucchini and Asian greens. Basil and parsley are essential, too. Watch out for pests
As the weather warms up aphids become active in the veggie patch or on the new growth of roses. Psyllids can also appear on the new growth of Lilly Pillies and need to be controlled to prevent them spreading. Use a garden insecticide to keep them in check.
BLUE SKIES AHEAD
THE winter sailing series at Metung Yacht Club has struggled to attract appropriate weather conditions this year. It has either been storms or no wind.
Thankfully, Saturday August 18 was ideal sailing weather and two yachts and crews contested the course in Bancroft Bay, with an easterly wind, gusting five to seven knots.
Odyssey, an Etchells class yacht, was helmed by Roger Claydon, with crew of Anne Claydon.
Tarakona, an International Dragon class yacht, was helmed by Jeanette Severs, with crew of Hugh Howard.
Odyssey finished the course first and was also first on handicap, while Tarakona placed second.
MYC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Jeanette Severs
IT was a full house for Metung Yacht Club’s annual general meeting on Saturday, August 17. The Annual Report and the Financial Report were presented.
On behalf of the General Committee, outgoing commodore, Jeff Rose, acknowledged the enormous contribution by volunteers to the club’s success and noted the support of MYC sailors to the club’s races and regattas and the work of subcommittees.
The treasurer, Michael Hack, noted the club had made a small profit for the year, and new assets purchased during the financial year included the new RIB.
Increased insurance cost and significant work undertaken to maintain assets this year had also affected the financial position of the club.
In line with tradition, the outgoing commodore was presented with a portrait, which will grace the clubroom wall.
The caricature portrait began with past MYC member, and artist, Graeme Shepherd, who
produced most of the caricatures of past commodores that grace the clubroom.
For the commodores who had passed before him, Graeme used input from their family members to guide his art.
After he passed away, other artists have been employed to provide a portrait of more recent commodores.
Gavin Bell, a Melbourne-based artist, provided the caricature portrait of Mary Rowe. Bairnsdale artist, Paul McVilly, was employed to produce the caricature portrait of Jeff Rose.
The new General Committee was elected:
Commodore - Peter Kanat
Vice Commodore - Steve Bull
Rear Commodore - Mary Rowe
Secretary - Andrew Lethlean
Treasurer - Michael Hack
Committee membersBill Newcomen, Andrew Perkins, Andrew Russell, Jude Brennan, Pip Moore.
Immediate Past Commodore (ex officio) - Jeff Rose
Retiring committee member
Les Clough was thanked for his contribution during his tenure on the General Committee.
A chance to honour great Gippslanders
GIPPSLANDERS are being encouraged to nominate locals who have left a lasting legacy to lend their name to a local place.
The State Government is seeking to create a name bank for councils to assist with naming new places such as new streets, parks, community facilities and buildings.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien highlighted that there is a long history of high achieving and notable Gippslanders and is encouraging locals to come forward with nominations.
“Gippsland’s history is bursting
with notable characters who are fondly remembered, and this is a great opportunity to honour their legacy.
“Nominees might be remembered for any positive impact they had on our community whether that be sporting achievements, activism, contribution to healthcare, science, arts or philanthropic endeavours just to name a few examples.”
To be eligible to be commemorated the person must:
• be deceased;
• have left a lasting legacy; and
• have a long association with the nominated area.
Keep kids swimming! Community urged to continue swimming lessons at Wellington’s hidden gem
AS the redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale continues, Wellington Shire Council is reminding the community to consider enrolling children into swimming lessons at the West Sale Pool in Fulham. The facility is a valuable resource for providing Learn to Swim lessons that equip Wellington Shire’s youngest residents with essential water safety and lifesaving skills.
Since the leisure centre’s redevelopment began in November last year, children’s swimming lessons have been running ‘business as usual’ at the West Sale Pool and the feedback has been positive.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Ian Bye expressed
Council’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to the Learn to Swim program.
“We knew from the start how important it was for children to continue their swimming lessons, even during the redevelopment. Our swim school teachers are passionate and experienced, and they love what they do. Swimming lessons are crucial for kids, not just for water safety, but also for building confidence and supporting their physical growth. Swimming is a lifelong skill that brings countless benefits, opening doors to recreational fun, sports, and even future careers like lifeguarding”.
“Although the upgrades to Aqua Energy were necessary, there’s peace of mind knowing that children in
Wellington still have swimming lessons available to them in a convenient location. I encourage all parents and caregivers to take advantage of this fantastic facility and enrol your child into lessons today!” Cr Bye said.
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and places are still available for children to participate. Lessons run for 30 minutes and range from babies (6 months) to adults. Prices start from $16.95 per week for a standard 30-minute lesson.
West Sale Pool is located just off the Princes Highway at Fulham. Adjacent to the old TAFE building and the Armed Forces Museum on Lyon Crescent at the West Sale Airport.
Odyssey
Tarakona
Retiring commodore Jeff Rose, returning officer Derek Russell, and incoming commodore Peter Kanat.
Incoming Commodore Peter Kanat presents the traditional caricature portrait to outgoing commodore Jeff Rose.
It was a full house for the recent annual general meeting at Metung Yacht Club.
General Committee Executive Andrew Lethlean, Secretary, Steve Bull, Vice Commodore, Peter Kanat, Commodore, and Michael Hack, Treasurer.
General committee members Pip Moore, Bill Newcomen, Steve Bull (Vice Commodore), Andrew Perkins, Andrew Russell, Andrew Lethlean (Secretary), Jeff Rose (ex Officio, outgoing Commodore), Jude Brennan, Michael Hack (Treasurer) and Peter Kanat (Commodore).
Right: Mary Rowe, Rear Commodore. Pictures: Jeanette Severs
"Whoa... Whoa... (Bang!)
...I said WHOA!"
New sports being considered for Brisbane Games
WITH Paris over and Los Angeles having locked in their new sports (baseball, softball, cricket, lacrosse and squash) for 2028, the Brisbane Olympic Games Committee are now considering their new sports for 2032.
The new events should be uniquely Australian... like Caravan Backing.
Caravan Backing's popularity growth is immense, especially in Queensland. Any park in the afternoon draws enormous crowds to watch late arrivals, with the lucky couple exhibiting their skills, dad usually backing and mum directing:
"Back a little... whoa... little bit more... whoa... stop... (Bang!). STOP I said!"
Dad gets out to survey the damage, blames mum, who in turn storms off to the toilet. Ah, unparalleled entertainment. They will need to book the Gabba to hold the crowds.
Break dancing is out for LA but could be re-included for Brisbane... with an Aussie twist. Break dancers; fair dinkum they look like they've just rolled in a bull ants' nest
‘ WHACKER ’ ON THE WING!
so why not make it the real thing. Bring in some real bull ant or Jumping Jack nests and to add a really Aussie flavour, competitors will wear Speedos instead of those daggy suits. They'll be punching out some smart moves then.
The Games Committee should look into a new division too. A mate of ours got into his car, put his seatbelt on and then proceeded to knock his coffee off the dashboard. No break dancer born yet can replicate the moves of a bloke trying to get out a car door with a seatbelt on after dropping a cup of scalding hot coffee down his crutch! Definitely a gold medal
chance for any Aussie dancer. Have we got one called Spudgun?
Boxing was quite controversial in Paris and is on shaky ground, especially in the women's divisions. There is a simple remedy for this. All those competing as women must tread on a turned-up rake as they enter the ring. Guaranteed to sort out any gender confusion. Queensland leads the nation in juvenile crime and car theft. It's now become more a sport than a crime... well, that's the way politicians and magistrates view it. So how about firing a gun (the starter, not the competitors) with teams of four racing out in to the 'hood and first back into the stadium with a stolen car wins. Gold, gold, gold for Australia.
The Brisbane Games will also be a chance to showcase our indigenous heritage too, but it needs an injection of fresh blood and ideas. Ernie's woke, smoke joke is starting to fizzle out a bit, especially with Queenslanders and Uncle Col will probably be pensioned off by then, living on his luxury yacht somewhere.
offtotheolympicGAMES?
Let's scrap the javelin and have spear throwing with woomeras. Just be careful where you are sitting in the upper deck when the event is on. Same with boomerangs. Some of them don't come back but remember Barcelona when they lit the cauldron with a flaming arrow; how good would a flaming boomerang look.
We've had great success in recent games too in canoeing and kayaking. Wonder how Jess and Noemie Fox would
go in bark canoes? Definitely worth including.
Jess will be only 38 too, a baby compared to 47-year-old marathon runners.
Netball could be a worthy inclusion too and our girls would be a red-hot chance for gold. They might even kiss and make up with Gina and get a ride on a barge down the Brisbane River, all wearing sparkling new boots.
Of course, for gender equity it would mean having a men's comp too, giving our Aussie
men's netball team, The Kelpies, the opportunity to excel on the world stage. And why not; they have as many household names as the Matildas.
As Premier, Anastasia got the games rolling, but has moved on, taking up a position with Australia Post. How Aussie would it be to have "postie" races at the velodrome on those little scooters? Anastasia could lead the way.
